Arvind Kejriwal Granted Bail in Money Laundering Case, Released on Rs 1 Lakh Bond
New Delhi, 20th June 2024: A Delhi court has granted bail to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in a case involving allegations of money laundering related to a liquor policy scam. Vacation Judge Nyay Bindu of Rouse Avenue Courts issued the order today after holding it earlier.
The Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) special counsel, Zoheb Hossain, requested a stay on the order until the agency could pursue its legal options, but the court declined the request.
Kejriwal was taken into custody by the ED on March 21 and later released on interim bail by the Supreme Court until June 1, coinciding with general elections, after which he surrendered on June 2.
Assistant Solicitor General SV Raju, representing the ED, argued that co-accused Chanpreet Singh had handled substantial cash transactions from businessmen and settled hotel bills for Kejriwal. He emphasized that the ED’s investigation was grounded in concrete evidence.
Raju also highlighted Kejriwal’s refusal to provide his phone password, suggesting it could be construed adversely under standard bail provisions, apart from specific PMLA regulations.
In response, Senior Advocate Vikram Chaudhari, appearing for Kejriwal, countered that there was no indication from Chanpreet Singh implicating Kejriwal in funding AAP’s Goa elections or handling illicit funds.
Chaudhari further questioned the ED’s reliance on circumstantial evidence and witnesses granted pardons, implying potential bias in their statements. He challenged the timing of Kejriwal’s arrest, asserting it coincided with political events.
Regarding medical grounds for bail, the court had recently dismissed Kejriwal’s plea, citing his active participation in election campaigning as evidence of adequate health.
The ED recently filed a supplementary chargesheet naming Kejriwal and AAP, with the court yet to decide on its acceptance. The Delhi High Court previously rejected Kejriwal’s challenge to his arrest, acknowledging the ED’s material and witness statements.
AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh are also implicated; Sisodia remains in custody while Singh was granted bail by the Supreme Court.
The ED alleges Kejriwal orchestrated a significant excise scam, channeling funds exceeding Rs. 100 crore, ostensibly through a policy favoring select private entities. They assert this policy lacked transparency in official records.
The central agency contends Vijay Nair acted on Kejriwal and Sisodia’s directives, influencing profit margins for wholesalers, although minutes from official meetings reportedly lacked such provisions.
In conclusion, the legal proceedings continue amid ongoing assertions and challenges from both sides, focusing on the evidentiary basis and procedural fairness in the case.
